Man from Wirral jailed for eight years for firearms possession

A man from Wirral has been jailed for eight years following the discovery of two viable firearms inside an abandoned car.

Stephen Garrett, 40, of Upton Road, in Moreton, was sentenced at Liverpool Crown Court today, Thursday 13 June, after he was found guilty of two counts of possessing a firearm.

On Wednesday 13 April 2022, officers seized a suspected stolen Ford Galaxy car after it was found abandoned on Stanley Close, in Kirkdale.

Following a search of the vehicle, officers found a loaded firearm inside a blue carrier bag hidden under the bonnet as well as a large quantity of cash and Class A drugs hidden in the glove box and under the passenger seat.

A second loaded firearm was also found hidden inside an orange Sainsbury’s bag under the shelf in the boot as well as a quantity of ammunition and a silencer.

 

Following a forensic examination, DNA linked Garret to the vehicle and both firearms.

Detective Inspector John Mullen from our Firearms Investigation Team said: “This result shows how committed our officers are to making Merseyside a safer place by removing firearms and those that would use them from our streets.

"There is no hiding place for these weapons and this incident shows that we will leave no stone unturned in our efforts to take firearms out of circulation.

“We were able to link Garrett to the two firearms through a DNA match and despite him denying the offences, he was found guilty by a jury and will now have time to reflect on his actions from his prison cell.

“We are committed to taking firearms off our streets and, rest assured, if you tell us about any suspected possession or offences we will take action. We pro-actively investigate serious organised crime including the use of guns and the supply and distribution of drugs on Merseyside, and will always take immediate action when incidents involve guns.

“Information from the public is vital if we are to breakdown the organised crime groups who bring misery to our streets, so come forward if you have any concerns about serious and organised crime where you live, work or visit.”

If you have any information about the suspected storage, possession and use of firearms and ammunition, please contact us directly via @MerPolCC on Twitter, 'Merseyside Police Contact Centre' on Facebook, by calling 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or report online at https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/forms/give-information-anonymously. Always call 999 if a crime is in progress.